At the same time, the European research funding landscape has undergone a profound transformation. Universities now find themselves navigating complex terrain: public backlash against controversial findings, internal debates about the limits of expression, and the growing emphasis on impact and innovation from funding bodies like the European Research Council (ERC).
As Europe strives to close the ‘innovation gap’ and boost global competitiveness, how do we ensure that academic freedom remains protected and meaningful?
This panel debate will examine the evolving relationship between academic freedom and societal responsibility, exploring questions like:
- What distinguishes freedom of research from freedom of speech, and where do they overlap?
- How can researchers at all career stages navigate a funding environment increasingly focused on deliverables?
- What should institutions do when research challenges dominant narratives or provokes public controversy?
- How can academic discourse remain both free and ethically grounded?
Moderators
Christine Stabell Benn, Professor at the Department of Clinical Research and DIAS Chair of Health Sciences.
Julius Koschnick, Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics and DIAS Fellow of Business and Social Sciences.
When and where
Thursday 30 October
15.00-16.30 - followed by a reception
DIAS Auditorium, SDU Odense
Limited seating - registration required
Sign up here by 21 October
- Organizer: Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS)
- Address: Fioniavej 34, 5230 Odense M
- Capacity: 180
- Contact Email: meetingsdias@sdu.dk
- Sign up here: https://event.sdu.dk/honorarydoctorpaneldebateatdias2025
- Add to your calendar: https://eom.sdu.dk:443/events/ical/82329e2e-965d-4589-9e27-3e85ca45ba77